Human Rights-Based Approach to Programming - UNFPA - SESSION 1: Introduction to Training and Manual

Session Overview Objectives Structure Target audience, expectations Linkages with Action 2 Why a human rights-based approach UNFPA and human rights Key benefits of a HRBA

Training Objectives Improve capacity to adopt culturally sensitive, gender-responsive, HRBA to programming Provide practical tools to design and implement a HRBA Illustrate benefits of using a HRBA There are three main objectives for this workshop: To improve your capacity to adopt a culturally sensitive, gender-responsive, human rights-based approach to programming. To provide you with practical tools for use in designing and implementing a human rights-based approach. To illustrate the benefits of using a human rights-based approach.

Training Concepts Advocacy Improving Reproductive Health Linking Population and Development Promoting Gender Equality Here are three broad aims of the workshop: To target the three pillars of UNFPA’s work using a HRBA, all the while advocating for the importance of human rights vis-à-vis a HRBA.

Training Structure Here is an overview of the next three days of this workshop. As you can see, a HRBA connects all the sessions that we will work through. Moving in a clock-wise direction, we will be looking at some basic ideas regarding human rights, then we will look at key elements of HRBA. Next, we will start working within thematic areas, beginning with reproductive health, followed by gender, emergency response, population and development, and concluding with advocacy.

Target Audience Primarily UNFPA Country Staff Also UNFPA implementing partners Others working in relevant fields This Manual is primarily for use by UNFPA Country Staff, but it will also be useful to UNFPA implementing partners and others working in the relevant fields.

Manual Designed as ‘how to’ guide Reference manual on the human rights-based approach (HRBA) The Manual that you have in front of you was designed to be a ‘how to’ guide in addition to being a reference manual on the human rights-based approach (HRBA).

Our Expectations Asking many questions, developing different answers More than one ‘right’ answer when it comes to human rights A HRBA promotes: thinking differently asking different questions A HRBA does not always give pre-determined answers Throughout the training we will be asking many questions, and coming up with different answers. There is often more than one ‘right’ answer when it comes to human rights. This is because a human rights-based approach is an approach that prompts you to think differently and to ask different questions. A HRBA does not always give you pre-determined answers or a pre-ordained ‘result’.

Your Expectations What do you expect from attending this workshop? INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Ask participants to share some thoughts regarding personal/professional expectations for this workshop.

Linkages with Action 2 Based on HRBA defined in 2003 UN Common Understanding on a Human Rights-based Approach to Development Cooperation Detailed by Action 2 This Manual is based upon the human rights-based approach defined in the 2003 report, The Human Rights-based Approach to Development Cooperation: Towards a Common Understanding Among the UN Agencies. EXPLAIN THAT WE WILL GO IN DETAIL THROUGH THE DEFINITION OF THE COMMON UNDERSTANDING LATER. It is harmonized with the human rights-based approach detailed by Action 2. Action 2 stemmed from the second report on UN reform in 2002 called Strengthening of the United Nations: an agenda for further change. The Action 2 interagency programme was launched in 2004 to provide a coordinated response to the capacity-building needs of UNCTs, with the ultimate objective of strengthening national human rights protection systems. Action 2 has been useful for developing new common guidance and training materials on a HRBA. During the biennium 2006 – 2008, Action 2 has been assisting more than 65 UNCTs worldwide, including those rolling-out the 2007 and 2008 CCA/UNDAFs. The Action 2 mandate came to an end in September 2008. A new inter-agency mechanism will be set up.  

What is a HRBA? Entails consciously and systematically paying attention to human rights and rights principles in all aspects of programming work A human rights-based approach entails consciously and systematically paying attention to human rights and rights principles in all aspects of programming work. ASK PARTICIPANTS: “What do you think a HRBA is?” The key to get across is that a HRBA requires ‘systematic’ attention to human rights at all stages of programming.

Why a HRBA? (1) Integral to the UN; should be regarded as an essential tool for achieving sustainable development outcomes Respecting and promoting human rights is crucial for peace, sustainable human development, democracy and security These human aspirations and common goals, which are the pillars of the UN, are inextricably linked and interdependent ASK PARTICIPANTS: “Why should we do a HRBA?” [Use the introduction of the Manual to draw upon for information for this slide.] It is widely recognized that promoting and protecting human rights is crucial for achieving peace, sustainable human development, democracy and security, and that these human aspirations and common goals, which are the pillars of the United Nations, are inextricably linked and interdependent. A human rights-based approach should be regarded as an essential tool for achieving sustainable development outcomes and advancing ICPD goals such as universal access to sexual and reproductive health care. There are three main rationales suggested for implementing a HRBA: (a) intrinsic, (b) instrumental, and (c) institutional. Intrinsic - a HRBA is the right thing to do, morally and legally: A HRBA is integral to the UN and should be regarded as an essential tool for achieving sustainable development outcomes. Instrumental - A HRBA leads to better and more sustainable human development outcomes. Respecting and promoting human rights is crucial for achieving peace, sustainable human development, democracy and security. Institutional - Recognizing that the UN has a core mandate on Peace, Security, Human Rights and Development, and that neutrality and respect for self-reliance make it a privileged partner to deal with sensitive issues. These human aspirations and common goals, which are the pillars of the United Nations, are inextricably linked and interdependent.

Why a HRBA? (2) Promoting human rights has been a fundamental purpose of the UN since its inception The UN has taken major steps to integrate human rights into all aspects of development 13

UN Reform & Human Rights The purposes of the United Nations are to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction... — Article 1, UN Charter The international human rights regime evolved within the United Nations and as stated in its Charter, since its inception: promoting respect for human rights is a fundamental purpose of the Organization. Article 1 of the Charter establishes respect for human rights as the basis and the primary vehicle for achieving the purposes of the Organization, and articles 55 and 56 state that Member States and the United Nations shall promote “universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms.” The linkages between human rights, human development and humanitarian action are not new; indeed, they lay at the heart of the United Nations foundations and mandate. The UN Charter gave both of them due recognition and also recognized that the UN shall pursue action with equal vigour in both fields. Action 2 Slide

Development Human Rights 1997/2005 UN Reform Agenda Peace & Security UN Charter UDHR Cold War Development Human Rights Peace & Security Copenhagen Cairo UN Reform Agenda Vienna Beijing CHRONOLOGY EMPHASIZE THE ORIGINAL COMMON BASIS BUT THE DIFFERENT EVOLUTION THAT HR AND HD (HUMAN DEVELOPMENT) EXPERIENCED. THEN, HOW CONCEPTS EVOLVED TO SHARE THE SAME CONCERN, THE PROMOTION OF WELL-BEING AND ENLARGEMENT OF FREEDOMS FOR ALL PEOPLE. UN Global Conferences emphasize linkage between HD & HR. In addition to Vienna and Copenhagen, other important world conferences and summits like the Cairo Conference on Population (1994) and the Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women (1995) have also underscored the linkages between HR AND HD, and have stressed in particular that women’s human rights are central to human rights. Secretary-General reform programmes translate political commitments into institutional objectives. In 1997, the SG presented his plans for the UN Reform in his report to the GA (Renewing the United Nations: A Programme for Reform). The report reaffirmed that HRs are vital to all the goals set out in the UN Charter and at heart of the UN reform and called to mainstream HRs in all the activities of the UN. In 2002, the SG emphasizes that human rights are the bedrock requirement for the realization of development and a principal objective of the Organization. UN should strive to put in place and strengthen human rights national promotion and protection systems. In 2005, the SG stresses that development, peace and security, and HRs go hand in hand and argues that HRs must be incorporated into decision-making and discussions throughout the work of the Organization. 1997/2005 Action 2 Slide

Milestones of the UN Reform SG reform report: Peace and security, development and human rights are interconnected Millennium Summit: Commitment to human rights is a pillar of the UN 2002 Strengthening of the UN: an agenda for further change: Action 2 SG reform report: In Larger Freedom 2005 World Summit Outcome: Member States resolve to integrate human rights into national policies. Human Rights Council established 2006 High-level Panel report on System-wide Coherence The World Summit Outcome is a milestone towards a global adoption of a human rights-based approach as this is the first time that the Member States in the General Assembly resolve to mainstream human rights in their national policies while endorsing the Secretary General’s reform agenda to integrate human rights throughout the UN system. The resolution affirms a strengthened role for all UN bodies and agencies within their respective sectors and mandate areas in order to assist Member States to mainstream human rights in their national policies. Action 2 Slide

HRBA Fundamental for UNFPA UNFPA committed to advancement of human rights since its origins All are entitled to enjoyment of equal rights and protection central to UNFPA’s way of working Therefore, promotion and protection of human rights are fundamental to the work of UNFPA In its Mission Statement, UNFPA stresses the universality and indivisibility of human rights, focusing on ICPD principles such as reproductive rights, autonomy and empowerment of women, and the participation and representation of young people. The promotion and protection of human rights are therefore fundamental to the work of UNFPA. UNFPA has been committed to the advancement of human rights in the world since its origins. The idea that all individuals are entitled to the enjoyment of equal rights and protection is central to UNFPA’s way of working. Human rights are fundamental to UNFPA’s work not only because all of the governments with whom UNFPA works have ratified at least one human rights treaty relevant to sexual and reproductive health, but because incorporating human rights principles into programming is critical to ensuring that UNFPA can reach its goal of promoting the rights of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA’s Policies and Procedures Manual confirms that the organization supports a HRBA and states that all UNFPA-supported programmes are intended to promote the acceptance and protection of universally recognized human rights, and that the central concern of UNFPA is the well-being of the most marginalized and disadvantaged in society. UNFPA’s Strategic Plan, 2008-2011 also highlights the importance of the promotion of human rights in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and advance the ICPD Programme of Action.

HRBA and ICPD UNFPA believes that implementing a HRBA is essential if the promises made at ICPD are to be fulfilled ICPD is grounded in a human rights framework ICPD and a HRBA go hand-in-hand In its mandate, UNFPA is guided by the ICPD Programme of Action, which places a strong emphasis on the human rights of individual women and men. At the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, 179 countries agreed that population and development are inextricably linked, and that empowering women and meeting people’s needs for education and health, including sexual and reproductive health, are necessary for both individual advancement and balanced development. The conference adopted a 20-year Programme of Action (PoA), which placed individual’s human rights at the center, rather than achieving abstract demographic targets. Advancing gender equality, eliminating violence against women and ensuring women’s ability to control their own fertility were acknowledged as cornerstones of population and development policies. Concrete goals of the ICPD centred on providing universal education; reducing infant, child and maternal mortality; and ensuring universal access by 2015 to reproductive health care, including family planning, assisted childbirth and prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. All of this has to be grounded in human rights - and all of these actions rely on the fulfilment of a wide range of human rights. UNFPA is committed to supporting governments in achieving their ICPD goals, as these goals are essential to the advancement of women’s human rights and development. As ‘ICPD at 15’ draws closer, UNFPA is continuing to focus on supporting national ownership, national leadership and capacity development, as well as advocacy and multisectoral partnership development for positioning the ICPD agenda. Furthermore, in line with UN reform efforts, UNFPA will welcome all opportunities to position the ICPD agenda in all planning frameworks and will dedicate increased effort to the challenge of linking ICPD goals with the Millennium Development Goals in national planning and development processes. In doing so, UNFPA will consistently build capacity to implement a human rights-based approach in all programmes and policies, and will continue to be guided by gender equality programming as well as culturally sensitive approaches.

UNFPA believes that: A culturally sensitive, gender-responsive human rights-based approach is simply a practical application of its commitment to promoting the human rights of individuals A HRBA is essential in order to advance the ICPD agenda and achieve the MDGs UNFPA consistently supports governments in promoting the ICPD Programme of Action and the human rights and gender principles upon which it is grounded. Understanding that human rights can only truly have an impact if implemented in a culturally sensitive, and gender-responsive way, UNFPA believes that a culturally sensitive, gender-responsive human rights-based approach is simply a practical application of its commitment to promoting the human rights of individuals. The ICPD agenda also offers a basis to support countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other internationally agreed goals. The Millennium Declaration that sets the United Nations agenda for peace, security and development concerns in the 21st century reflects a human rights perspective, and underscores goals and indicators to measure progress in advancing human rights. UNFPA is supporting governments in reaching the MDGs by employing a human rights-based approach to its programmes and policies. UNFPA firmly believes that human rights are essential to achievement of the MDGs, as human rights are so critical to the ultimate eradication of poverty.

Key Benefits of a HRBA Promotes realization of human rights, helps government partners achieve human rights commitments Increases and strengthens participation of local community Improves transparency Promotes results Increases accountability Reduces vulnerabilities More likely leads to sustained change as human rights-based programmes have greater impact on norms and values, structures, policy and practice In addition to this list, ASK PARTICIPANTS: What do they think are the benefits of a HRBA?

Are you Already Using a HRBA? Do you: identify claims of rights-holders and corresponding obligations of duty-bearers as well as immediate, underlying and structural causes of non-realization of rights consistently assess capacity of rights-holders to claim rights and of duty-bearers to fulfil obligations in programmes monitor and evaluate outcomes and processes? use recommendations of international human rights bodies and mechanisms to inform your programmes systematically implement the key HR principles at all stages of programming In your situation assessment and analysis, do you identify the claims of rights-holders and the corresponding obligations of duty-bearers as well as the immediate, underlying, and structural causes of the non-realization of rights? Do you consistently assess the capacity of rights-holders to claim their rights and of duty-bearers to fulfil their obligations in your programmes? Do you monitor and evaluate both outcomes and processes? Is your programming informed by the recommendations of international human rights bodies and mechanisms? Do you consistently apply the key human rights principles to every stage of your programme? INSTRUCTIONS: Ask participants to raise their hands if they are already doing these activities systematically and consistently in all their programmes. If some participants say that they are indeed doing all this, then congratulate them! Ask them to share their experiences with everyone throughout the workshop, and ask them if they are recording what they are doing. Emphasize the importance of keeping records: we need to have more evidence of programmes that are being implemented using a HRBA. So those who do implement a HRBA should do their best to keep a detailed record of exactly what they are doing, and how. This will help when monitoring and evaluating the programme, and will help solidify the evidence base for implementing a HRBA.

Conclusion Primary skills upon completing this training are: knowing what questions to ask - and when - to ensure implementation of a HRBA crafting human rights-based outputs, outcomes and indicators advocating for the necessity of HRBA The primary skills you will come away with upon completing this training are: The ability to know what questions to ask - and when - in order to ensure implementation of a human rights-based approach The ability to craft human rights-based outputs, outcomes and indicators. Advocating for the necessity of HRBA